Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Plan, design and execute a piece of rigorous geographical research or enquiry.
2. Undertake, effective and appropriate empirical research, including the collection of primary data.
3. Analyse data in rigorous manner, employing appropriate techniques and interpret finding in the context of existing knowledge and theories.
4. Produce a substantial written research report in an appropriate academic style.
5. Demonstrate self-motivation, planning and initiative in working independently.
6. Present in a professional manner the context of the study, and the data that they have collected and preliminarily analysed in an oral presentation.

Brief description

This module takes the form of a student-led independent research project for single-honours' geographers. An appropriate topic of geographical relevance is proposed by the student and approved by their module co-ordinator. The project involves four stages: (i) the identification of a research topic and development of an appropriate research plan; (ii) empirical research to collect primary data and/or collate information from secondary sources, as appropriate for the research issue; (iii) the analysis of data and information, including the interpretation of findings in the context of existing knowledge and theories. An assessed oral presentation in which students present and summarise the data collected and analysed takes place in week 6 of semester 1; (iv) the production of a 12,000 word final report, to be submitted in week 6 of semester 2.

Content

This module takes the form of a student-led independent research project for single-honours' geographers. Each student will be allocated an advisor who will provide guidance on the development and reporting of the project. Students will receive support for their independent study in a number of different contexts:

(i) four individual meetings with their advisor. These meetings will enable the advisor to provide their student with individual feedback and guidance and will also act as the basis of the personal tutor system at Level 3;

(ii) three group meetings during semester 1, attended by an advisor's complement or Dissertation supervisees. These meetings will act as a basis for discussing key papers, which will help the students to complete their independent project;

(iii) three generic skills lectures (which will have a significant APPR component) for the degree scheme or the whole year group, where appropriate. Some of these will act as support sessions for the Dissertation, e.g. structuring your dissertation, presentation skills, while others may focus on CPD issues, e.g. relating to skills and employability.

Module Skills

Skills Type

Skills details

Application of Number

If appropriate to the selected research topic, students may develop numerical skills through the collection, analysis and presentation of quantitative data.

Communication

Written communication skills are developed through the production of a written report.
Oral communication skills are developed through: the oral presentation; discussion of the research - individually and in groups; and may be developed through empirical research where verbal research methods are employed (e.g. interviews and questionnaires).

Improving own Learning and Performance

Students will be encouraged to reflect on their experience of planning and undertaking research in the individual and group discussions.

Information Technology

Students will be expected to employ appropriate IT resources in identifying data sources and collecting data (e.g. internet, electronic information resources), in data analysis (e.g. statistical packages), in preparing for the oral presentation (e.g. Powepoint) and in producing the project report (e.g. word processing, GIS and mapping packages).

Personal Development and Career planning

Personal development and career planning will be developed as part of the APPR sessions and personal tutor meetings that are a part of this module. In addition, the generic skills developed through the research project will have significant transferability to a wide range of career contexts.

Problem solving

Problem solving skills are developed through the identification of research questions, appropriate methodology and research plan, and through responses to difficulties experienced during data collection.

Research skills

Research skills are developed through the collection and analysis of data appropriate for investigation of the research questions.

Subject Specific Skills

Team work

Team work will be developed through group debates and work in the group support sessions. These skills will not be assessed formally.